For the Glory of God

John Tilton

Scripture

John 9:1-5

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi,who sinned,this manor his parents,that he was born blind?”“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,”said Jesus,“but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.4As long as it is day,we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Observation

The question from the disciples sought to connect the blind man’s condition to theology, whereby his blindness might have been due to sin in the man’s life or his parents.However, Jesus makes it clear that situations such as these were opportunities for the works of God to be displayed in and through Him.These were opportunities to portray and magnify the miraculous and faithful power of Jesus, when those in need turn to Him.As Jesus then speaks about doing works during the day, that night would be coming, and that He is the “light of the world,” Jesus was being led by the Father to provide a sign as testimony of revealing the Father’s glory.It was Jesus speaking metaphorically that while He was present, God would be working through Him for the Father’s glory, as the light of the world.

Application

We often feel as though challenging situations are due to sin in our life.I can recall connecting a bad situation that had arisen, to sin I might have committed earlier.It seems to be a natural propensity of asking, “what did I do wrong?”I would subsequently repent at that moment for past sin(s).Interesting how it always seems to take suffering situation to turn our eyes back unto God.

I then think about many who have and are facing major illness; who turn to the Lord and ask “Why me?”They thought they were doing God’s will ... and then they get blind-sided.God’s word and example here in the scriptures is an answer to some situations such as this; that God would reveal His glory through Jesus Christ being the light of world who can heal and perform miracles in our lives.However, it takes doing our part.Jesus told the blind man to go and wash in the pool of Siloam.What may God be asking of us to do in challenging situations?How would we seek to find out what God is asking us to do?Back to the foundation basics – time with Him in His word and prayer.

Prayer

Thank you Lord, for unpacking a common situation and question, as to why good people confront bad and challenging situations.I pray that I will be more intentional to spend time in prayer and in your word, to hear you, and therefore provide testimony, encouragement and insight to those who need your hope.May you be glorified in challenging, bad, hopeless, catastrophic, debilitating, and fearful situations.